The Pilot Kakuno Fountain costs under $20 and writes beautifully

Neal Stephenson says writing by hand is good for your brain, and this Pilot's medium nib pairs perfectly with purple Iroshizuku ink.

Pilot Kakuno — The clear Pilot Kakuno, on my notebook. Photo by Mark Frauenfelder

A fountain pen or gel pen is a superior way to write, says science fiction writer Neal Stephenson. He says handwriting is good for your brain. Fountain and gel pens are better than pencils or ballpoint pens because there is less friction when you write, so your hand doesn't…